Professional Documents
Culture Documents
Reading:
Distant Shores
missing paragraphs, checking for cohesion
Vocabulary: travel and culture-related words, phrasal verbs, word formation,
collocations & expressions, understanding new words
Grammar: gradable & ungradable adjectives, modifying adverbs, hardly, barely,
scarcely vs almost, virtually, practically, position of adjective & adverbs,
adjectives which change meaning according to their position, referring
backwards & forwards
Listening: multiple-choice, choosing appropriate answers
Speaking: talking about volunteering abroad, explaining, recommending, comparing,
reaching a consensus
Writing: essay (4), analysing complementary texts, analysing the key points
Reading
A Which of these statements about travelling do you agree with? Discuss with a partner.
•
It’s an eye-opening experience. •
It brings prosperity to many communities.
•
It’s a thoroughly selfish pursuit. •
It is detrimental to the environment.
•
It makes you a more interesting person. •
It makes you appreciate family and home.
•
It allows you to detox from social media. •
It ruins traditional communities.
B Read the text quickly. What is selfish about ‘voluntourism’ (volunteer tourism)?
Where to next?
About me
I’m Josh and I’ve got one passion in life: travel. Whenever my
teaching job allows, I’m on the next plane (or bus, or train …) to
a unique perspective on all things travel a new adventure. Here, I like
to share my experiences and
perhaps inspire you to take the
Are travellers selfish? plunge and go off the beaten
path. So grab your camera,
Travel, when you think about it, is a largely selfish pursuit. It’s all
pack your sense of adventure
about me, me, me. Places I can go to, people I can meet, things
and bring an open mind.
I can see, food I can try, my bucket list, my experiences. Are you
a self-absorbed traveller? Let’s look at some common scenarios,
starting with the plight of the traveller seeking to discover
something unique. 1
Your first reaction is to blame the guide book, regardless of the fact it to his companions. He felt great because he’d put one over on the
that it’s probably the way you found out about it, too. And it’s true, locals. Don’t be that person! 6
that book in your hand has a bit to answer for. But that’s a simplistic People say there’s something about lending a hand that lifts
notion. In an age of mass tourism, of backpacker grapevines, of voluntourism above the average travel experience. But I think there’s
internet and travel blogs, it’s inevitable that what was once a pristine still an element of selfishness even to the noble volunteers who help
paradise will be seething with tourists before long. 2 build homes or teach art to children. You do these things because it
You can direct a little blame at the locals, too. Without their efforts, makes you feel good, not just because you’re a kind, giving soul. The
that which seems to offend you would not exist. They like the money downside to all this goodwill, however, is that voluntourism is actually
and they want more – although it’s a bit hard to blame them for that. If quite expensive. Most companies that organise volunteer trips will
tourist cash spent at beach bars and souvenir shops can ease poverty charge you plenty for the experience – often far more than it would
and raise living standards, it would be selfish to begrudge the locals cost you to just visit those countries on your own. 7
their chance at a better life. 3 Well, that’s it. Some of you will disagree with my views, but I’m up for
Honestly, either accept a place as it is, even if it doesn’t live up to a good debate. Send your comments and let me know your thoughts.
your expectations, or go elsewhere if the trappings of progress are Are you a selfish traveller?
too offensive for your sensibilities. Don’t blame the guide books,
the internet, or Trip Advisor. Don’t blame your fellow tourists. And
A team of young activists
definitely don’t blame the locals for trying to improve their lives – that planting a tree in a park
would be the height of selfishness. 4
They say money makes the world go round. So how do you spend
your hard-earned cash on holiday? Do you shop locally? If you stay,
eat and shop in places owned by locals, your money will stay in the
community and help generate jobs. Foreign-owned resorts or hotel
chains may offer a higher level of comfort and extra facilities, but very
little of what you pay actually trickles down into the local economy.
If there’s a beach nearby, do you really need a swimming pool?
5
And last but not least where money’s concerned, bargain fairly. Saving
an extra dollar on that T-shirt or souvenir will hardly make a dent in
your budget, but it can make a huge difference to the seller. Once, I
was disgusted to witness a shameful exchange in which a well-fed
foreigner haggled hard to get a novelty toy for less than half price. The
saving? Fifty measly cents. Adding insult to injury, he boasted about
96
C Refer back to the Exam Close-up on page 37. Then look for cohesive devices in the missing paragraphs in
the Exam Task below.
E Replace the words in bold in the sentences with these expressions from the text in the correct form.
add insult to injury make a huge dent in off the beaten path put one over on take the plunge
1
The shopkeeper thought he’d fooled me, but I knew 4
I never thought I’d try bungee jumping, but I did
the bracelet wasn’t real gold and told him so. despite being very nervous about it.
2
Buying an expensive rug at the souk greatly reduced 5
The site may be in an isolated spot, but it’s well
their budget, and they regretted it. worth a visit if you want a great day out.
3
The hotel room was tiny, and to make a bad
situation worse, the air conditioning didn’t work.
Vocabulary
A Complete the sentences with the words.
marvel oddity phenomenon rarity spectacle wonder
1
The upside down house in Szymbark, Poland, is a real ; in fact, it’s the strangest thing I’ve ever
seen – it stands on its roof and visitors walk on the ceilings!
2
Not far from the city of Cairo sits the Great Pyramid of Giza, which is the only surviving ancient .
3
The Colosseum, which is huge and still standing, is a of ancient Roman engineering and
mathematics.
4
During the Holi festival in India, people throw brightly coloured powder at each other; it’s quite a
to see.
5
The sight of snow is a in Athens, but it has become more common in recent years.
6
The Aurora Borealis is a natural of vivid colours that lights up the night sky in the Arctic region.
C Complete the text. You will only need to use half of the words.
diversity difference drain graphic influx injection input invasion long-held
long-lasting narrow-minded picturesque short-sighted spelt spoken waste
98
Temple Complex
at Angkor Wat
D Choose the incorrect words.
1
Harry, who is into extreme sports, has for adventure travel.
a an appetite b a buzz c a thirst
2
Travellers looking for unique experiences prefer to go off the beaten .
a path b track c trail
3
The ancient temple complex at Angkor Wat in Cambodia is out of .
a place b this world c the ordinary
4
Explorers tend to have a passion for discovery and a of adventure.
a sense b spirit c taste
5
To her curiosity, Lauren boldly entered the dark cave.
a satisfy b consume c indulge
6
Only the most of adventurers would sail around the world solo.
a inquisitive b intrepid c fearless
Phrasal verbs
E Match the underlined phrasal verbs with their meanings. Write the correct letter a–h in the box.
1
When the area was cleared for mining, the animals that had lived there were driven out.
2
Due to the heavy flooding, the river burst its banks and entire villages were wiped out.
3
When will it dawn on us that climate change poses one of the greatest risks to the survival of our planet?
4
They decided to go through with the expedition despite the adverse weather conditions.
5
After consulting their map, the backpackers headed off in the direction of the nearest town.
6
The travel itinerary we received was very detailed and set out exactly what we would be doing every day.
7
Unless we tackle global warming now, our inaction will catch up with us in the not too distant future.
8
We stumbled upon a beautiful mosaic while walking through the ruins of the ancient site.
a
begin to have a damaging effect e
finally understand
b do something that has already been agreed f
destroy completely
c
explain something g discover by chance
d compel to leave a place h
start a journey
Word formation
F Complete the sentences with the correct form of the word given.
1
People come here because they are drawn to the of the place. TRANQUIL
2
It seems there is less damage to the environment in populated areas. SPARSE
3
Before you travel to that particular region, you should find out if you need any
. VACCINE
4
The proliferation of hotels and resorts has definitely had a effect DETRIMENT
on the environment.
5
You really should visit the Grand Canyon if you’re ever in the United States; it’s absolutely
. PHENOMENON
6
Overfishing is an practice that has resulted in the depletion of fish SUSTAIN
stocks in many areas.
7
The wrought by the bush fires became apparent once the flames had DEVASTATE
been put out.
8
We visited a number of towns during our tour of France, and they were PROVINCE
all quite charming.
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7 Distant Shores
H Read the Exam Close-up. Then complete the Exam Task below.
Exam Task Exam Close-up
Choose the word or phrase that best completes the sentence. Understanding new words
1 The city of Shanghai is a of • Look at the stems of unknown words. They
modern-day China. may be of Greek or Latin origin, or of another
a microclimate language you may know, such as French.
b microcopy • Underline the root and think of other words
you know that are similar.
c microcosm
• Try all of the options in the sentence before
d microscope
you make your choice.
2 These rock formations are to
this part of the world.
a strange
b peculiar
c unusual
d particular
3 The work of Gaudi the architect 6 The island of Tahiti sandy beaches
the spirit of Barcelona. and crystal clear water.
a embeds a brags
b embarks b gloats
c embraces c boasts
d embodies d swaggers
4 The idea of a nap in the middle of the day is quite 7 The three tours are run so we can
to British people. only choose one.
a foreign a concurrently
b distant b recurrently
c remote c concurringly
d unheard d cursively
5 The government’s environmental policy has 8 The Greek islands are lovely, but Santorini is
criticism. beautiful.
a led up to a exceptionally
b come in for b explicitly
c clung on to c extensively
d gone on for d extravagantly
100
Grammar
Gradable and ungradable adjectives
A Read the dialogue. Look at the words in bold and
complete the task below.
A:
There is an extremely serious threat to the planet
from global warming.
B:
It’s absolutely essential that something radical
should be done about it.
A:
Yes, but isn’t it already a bit late for that?
B:
You’re quite right; it may be too late, but it’s quite
difficult to convince people.
A:
Unfortunately, that’s only too often the case.
D Complete the rule.
Find examples of
Modifying adverbs can be used to intensify or
1
gradable and ungradable adjectives weaken gradable and ungradable adjectives.
2
adverbs used with gradable adjectives adjectives like perfect, complete,
3 adverbs used with ungradable adjectives full, local do not normally have comparative
and superlative forms and are intensified with
4
‘quite’ meaning ‘absolutely’
like absolutely, totally and
5
‘quite’ meaning ‘fairly’ completely. These adverbs are also used for strong
6
‘too’ with ‘only’ meaning ‘more than expected’ adjectives, which already have
7
‘too’ meaning ‘more than is desirable’ the meaning ‘very + weak adjective’. For example,
exhausted means very , hideous
Modifying adverbs means very and excellent means
very .
B Which of these adverbs 1–6 can be used with the
adjectives tired and exhausted? Some can be used E Look at the adverbs and adjectives and explain
with both. what they mean.
1
very, terribly 1
reasonably priced tickets
2
slightly, a bit, a little 2
dramatically different solutions
3
rather, somewhat, fairly, moderately 3
virtually impossible dilemmas
4
utterly, absolutely, completely 4
surprisingly few difficulties
5
really, pretty 5
understandably shocked viewers
6
quite 6
hopelessly lost hikers
7
extremely
F Match the moderate expressions 1–6 with their more extreme descriptions a–f.
1
quite clean a
utterly filthy
2
slightly dirty b simply ridiculous
3
rather impolite c
completely devastated
4
a bit tricky d incredibly rude
5
somewhat upset e
quite impossible
6
rather silly f
absolutely spotless
G Underline the adverb/adjective combinations in these sentences. Are they used correctly? Change any
adverbs you think are incorrect.
1
My brother is a scientist and he’s completely worried about climate change.
2
I’m absolutely furious about the decision to start fracking in my local area.
3
Snow leopards are extremely difficult to film because they are so elusive.
4
With the constant increase in temperatures, it’s very ridiculous to deny that climate change is happening.
5
Too much tourism has slightly ruined this coastline. 101
7 Distant Shores
H Rewrite the phrases with modifying adverbs and adjectives, as in the example.
a solution whose simplicity is deceptive ... can be rewritten: a deceptively simple solution …
1
a conservation programme whose success is unbelievable
2
a species whose resilience is surprising
3
a creature whose shyness is understandable
4
a fish whose beauty is stunning
5
statistics which disturb us deeply
6
a lifestyle which causes dreadful waste
a
Which words in bold do we use with a negative
verb/situation?
b Which words in bold carry a negative meaning?
102
Adjectives which change meaning according to their position
L Read the phrases and discuss the differences in their meaning with a partner.
1 a the concerned members
b the members concerned
2 a a rather long and involved explanation
b the organisations involved include local conservationists
3 a the present situation
b the people present at the meeting
4 a the proper way to deal with the problem
b after the foothills the mountain proper starts
5 a humans are responsible for climate change
b a responsible person would not waste energy
Grammar Focus p 194 (7.7)
A white rhinoceros in
Kruger National Park,
South Africa
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7 Distant Shores
Listening
A Match meanings 1–6 with the responses in dialogues a–f.
Which response is used to show the speaker …
1
doesn’t believe something will happen?
2
thinks something is desirable, but it doesn’t happen?
3
doesn’t know something?
4
is willing to do something?
5
doesn’t want something to happen?
6
gives permission?
An elephant constructed of
a
When will the cycle lane be built? recycled materials presented
at the Tatton Flower Show in
Don’t hold your breath! Knutsford, UK
b Will they start fracking next year?
Not if we can help it!
c
Should the school recycle its paper? C Read the Exam Close-up. Then read the Exam
If only it would! Task below and think about what you might
d Is there any way the development can be stopped? hear.
Not that I’m aware of!
e
Could you help me with the recycling?
D 7.1 Now listen and complete the Exam Task.
I’d be only too pleased to!
f
Can I give you some gardening advice?
By all means!
Exam Close-up
Choosing appropriate answers
B Work with a partner to respond to these short • When you read the three options that
questions. Think of as many responses as possible. could answer the question, pay attention
Try to think of different degrees of formality. to the verb tenses and consider whether
they answer the question being asked.
1
You will look into ways to save energy, won’t you?
• Try to learn some of the common idioms
2
Do you have any idea where I can get organic food? people use in everyday conversations.
3
Isn’t it time you got your bike mended? • Check for hypothetical meanings, e.g.
4
Are you sure you wouldn’t mind if I sat here? conditionals and wishes showing that
5
Can I order just a salad? something isn’t true.
6
Do you know what ‘upcycling’ means?
Exam Task
You will hear 8 questions. From three answer choices given, choose the one that best answers the question. You will
hear the questions only once.
1 a I thought you were going to. 5 a That’s not quite correct.
b I won’t forget. b Nobody knows for sure.
c I might not have time. c That would be an understatement.
2 a Yes, I thought I recognised him. 6 a They should have known better.
b I absolutely agree. b It’s a foregone conclusion.
c You should be mistaken. c Nobody knows for sure.
3 a It hasn’t been built yet. 7 a There’s no time like the present.
b It was supposed to have been finished by now. b Don’t hold your breath.
c Sometime tomorrow, probably. c If only it would.
4 a It’s almost extinct. 8 a I wouldn’t eat anything else.
b I would rather not. b It is available in the supermarket.
c Not that I’m aware of. c I could say I have tried it.
104
Speaking
A Look at the photos. Work with a partner and answer these questions.
•
What different opportunities for volunteering abroad are shown?
•
What are the benefits to the local community and to the volunteers?
•
What risks are involved in this kind of volunteering?
•
Would you like to volunteer abroad? If so, what would you do?
B Read the Exam Close-up. Then work with a partner to complete the
Exam Task below. Remember to use the Useful Expressions to help you.
Exam Close-up
Explaining and recommending
• Compare and contrast the two options, giving
reasons why one is better.
• Use adverbs and adjectives when recommending.
• Listen carefully to your partner’s ideas, responding
and asking for clarification if necessary.
Exam Task
A local company has offered to pay for some students to volunteer abroad
but everyone must agree on one project. Student A, look at the options
below. Student B look at your options on page 201.
Student A explain your two options to your partner in your own words.
Student B choose the best option presented by your partner. Then swap roles.
Ideas Focus
• Do tourists really get to know the country they visit?
Why? / Why not?
• Is it better to spend money on experiences or material things? Why?
105
7 Distant Shores
A Read the statements about the effects of tourism. Decide if they relate to the environment (EN), the
economy (EC) or society and culture (SC).
1
It is a significant source of employment. 4
It can lead to the creation of wildlife parks.
2
It threatens the identity of indigenous peoples. 5
Local businesses are threatened by multinationals.
3
It depletes the resources on which it depends. 6
It fosters understanding between peoples and
cultures.
Read the two texts below. Write an essay summarising and evaluating the key points from both texts. Use your own
words throughout as far as possible, and include your own ideas in your answers.
Write your answer in 240–280 words.
1 Tourism: a threat to the environment
The quality of the environment is essential to tourism. People travel far and wide to see beautiful environments,
both natural and man-made. However, tourism’s relationship with the environment is complex. It involves many
activities that can have adverse environmental effects. Many of these impacts are linked with the construction of
general infrastructure such as roads and airports, and of tourism facilities, including resorts, hotels, restaurants and
shops. The negative impacts of tourism development can gradually destroy the environmental resources on which it
depends.
2 Not everyone benefits from tourism
Multinational companies are found in many areas of tourism. For local businesses, their chances to earn income
from tourists are severely reduced by the presence of these multinationals. For example, tour companies can offer
all-inclusive holiday resort packages with flights, accommodation and meals provided. When tourists remain for
their entire stay at the same hotel or resort, not much opportunity is left for local people and their economies to
profit from tourism. It is entirely unfair and the development of foreign-owned resorts should be strictly regulated by
governments and local authorities.
D Read the example essay on page 107. What suggestion does the writer make to increase cash flows into
local communities?
G Read the Exam Close-up. Then complete the Exam Task below. Use the Useful Expressions and the
paragraph plan on page 77 to help you write your essay.
Exam Task
Read the two texts below. Write an essay summarising and evaluating the key points from both texts. Use your own
words throughout as far as possible, and include your own ideas in your answers.
Write your answer in 240–280 words.
1 Tourism’s hidden environmental benefit 2 Making life better for residents
Tourism is often associated with the declining quality There are some definite advantages for residents
of natural areas, particularly coastlines. However, who live in popular destinations. Tourism supports
tourism can significantly contribute to the protection the creation of community facilities and services that
and conservation of areas of natural beauty. Because otherwise might not have been developed. In this way,
of their attractiveness, pristine sites and natural areas it can bring higher living standards to a destination.
are considered valuable, and the need to keep the The benefits can include upgraded infrastructure,
attraction alive can lead to the creation of protected health and transport improvements, new sport and
areas such as marine and wildlife parks. By becoming recreational facilities, restaurants and public spaces,
valuable tourist commodities, they can ensure their as well as an influx of better-quality commodities and
continued existence as well as generate income. food. It’s not all bad news where tourism is concerned.
107
Video
7 Reef Cleaner
Central America, Florida
Artificial reef sites created by sunken barges attract humans, who leave behind a footprint in the form of
rubbish like (1) rope and fishing line. These materials (2)
a threat to marine life such as dolphins and turtles that can get (3) in them. The
fishing line is a particularly serious hazard because it is (4) , so animals can’t
see it, and it also isn’t biodegradable so it doesn’t (5) . Marine conservation
divers (6) a reef clean up to remove the fishing line and rope that has
(7) on three artificial reef sites off the coast of Jacksonvillle, Florida. On this occasion,
they (8) hundreds of feet of fishing line, a couple of anchors and some rope. They
(9) all the live coral and save it in a storage container to keep it alive. It will be sent
to the marine science center and Jackson University. It is important to keep the reefs clean and healthy in order
to (10) tourism, the seafood industry and the local economy generally, so that the
community as a whole benefits from this conservation effort.
108